These are the match-ups that will play the biggest role in deciding this Sunday’s derby between Sevilla FC and Real Betis.
Sevilla FC are set to face Real Betis in a derby that is expected to be decided by fine margins, with several key match-ups poised to determine the outcome on Sunday. The first ELGRAN DERBI of the 2025/26 campaign will take place at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, where Sevilla FC will look to protect their home ground and where Real Betis will aim to get back to winning ways after dropping two points at home against Girona FC on Matchday 13. Here’s a look at the five on-pitch battles that could end up defining one of the most anticipated games of the season. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
Rubén Vargas vs Héctor Bellerín
Having recorded three goals and four assists in his first 11 league games of the season, Vargas has bagged the most goal contributions registered by a Sevilla FC player thus far. The 27-year-old winger poses a continuous threat to opposition defences by providing his team with a spark of creativity in the final third. Yet, on Sunday he is set to come up against one of the most gifted right-backs in the top flight. Having started in 12 of Real Betis’ 13 league games this term, Héctor Bellerín offers his team valuable experience and composure on both ends of the pitch. He will be assigned with the difficult task of containing Vargas, who will be also called to track back as Bellerín, who has managed two assists this season, frequently generates danger going forward.
Álvaro Valles vs Odysseas Vlachodimos
The side that manages to keep a clean sheet has gone on to win eight of the last nine derbies in this city, meaning that Valles and Vlachodimos are expected to play a key role in the outcome. The former has been filling in between the posts after Pau López’s injury earlier this month. Despite having kept just one clean sheet in six league games, Valles has not conceded a single goal in three Europa League appearances this term. Hence, he will look to emulate his European performances in the derby against Sevilla FC, who will count on Vlachodimos to step up on home soil. Having kept two clean sheets in his first eight league games, the Greece international will aim to build a brick wall in front of goal in his bid to lead Sevilla FC to a derby victory.
Cucho Hernández vs Sevilla FC’s back line
The Sevilla FC centre-backs will be entrusted with the job of containing Real Betis’ top scorer this term. Cucho has netted 25 percent of his team’s 20 goals so far, with Los Verdiblancos remaining unbeaten in the five games (3W, 2D) where he managed to find the back of the net. The 26-year-old striker has already scored against Sevilla FC, doing so in last season’s 2-1 victory, Real Betis’ first win in 13 league matches against their cross-city rivals. It remains to be seen whether Sevilla FC’s defence will find ways to neutralise Cucho this weekend.
The battle for midfield domination
With the two sides boasting identical possession figures (around 52%) this campaign, the battle of the midfield will be crucial in their bid to dictate the tempo. The home crowd is expected to provide the hosts with an extra energy boost, meaning that Real Betis may be called to slow down the pace and manage the rhythm of play while trying to find a gap to attack in the final third. Meanwhile, the hosts need their midfield to seize control of the flow of play, making the most of any potential surge of momentum created by the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán crowd throughout the duel.
Isco vs inactivity
Last Sunday, the experienced midfielder needed just 15 minutes to prove how important he is for Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis. Having recovered from injury and returned to action after three months, Isco provided a set-piece assist for his team’s equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Girona FC. The 33-eyar-old is not expected to be in the starting line-up against Sevilla FC, but he could prove to be the X-Factor coming off the bench in the upcoming derby. With him on the pitch, Real Betis remain unbeaten in three games against Sevilla FC (1W, 2D). When he is in form, defences rarely find ways to contain him. Hence, his main battle on Sunday will be against his lack of match fitness heading into the game.
